An Indian teenager declared brain dead by doctors made a remarkable recovery as his family were preparing for his funeral, his mother has said.
Gandham Kiran, 18, from Pillalamarri, Telangan, had slipped into a coma after contracting hepatitis and doctors believed he was in a vegetative state with no chance of survival.
But the student's mother Saidamma noticed tears flowing from the corners of his eyes as she was mourning his death.
“I was shocked and alerted my relatives, who immediately called a local medical practitioner.
“He told us that my son’s pulse was still beating and appreciated us for not removing the ventilator,” she told the Hindustan Times.
The teen was returned to hospital for further consultation with doctors.
“Within three days, Kiran came to senses and started talking to us, albeit in a low tone. He was discharged on Sunday and we are continuing the treatment as per the doctors’ advice,” Saidamma added.
Kiran was diagnosed with severe hepatitis after being hospitalised on June 26 with a high fever and vomiting.
His condition turned critical on June 28 and he was moved to another hospital where he slipped into a coma.
“On July 3, the doctors told us that my son is brain-dead and there were no chances of his survival,” Saidamma said.
Though doctors suggested that the teen's life support be removed and his body taken home, Saidamma refused.
She told the newspaper she had wanted her son "to breathe his last at our place in the village".
Family and friends had gathered at the house to pay condolences when Saidamma spotted her son's tears.
